Google bundles Songza with Play Music app

A new update to Google Play Music features integration with Songza for music curation.
Google

Songza, the music-curation engine that Google acquired earlier this year, has made its way to Google Play Music.

When Google Play Music subscribers open their apps, they'll now find a feature that asks them to pick a music playlist based on the time of day, their mood, or an activity they're engaging in. Based on what the user chooses, the songs, which are curated from Songza, will be played through the app. In addition, the stations can be downloaded for use offline.

"As part of this update," Google said in a blog post Tuesday, "we've also redesigned the 'Listen Now' page so you can more easily discover new music."

Google acquired Songza earlier this year. Before it was integrated into Google Play Music, the app allowed users to find songs based on what they were doing in the minute. The service was similar to Pandora in that it was free and offered curated content, but rather than focus on artists, songs, or eras, it was driven more by user activity.

Songza's tracks, which is now part of Google Play Music, are curated by music experts. According to Google, "dozens" of experts, including DJs and ethnomusicologists, were employed to create the playlists in Google Play Music.

The new activity-based station recommendations are available now to customers in the US and Canada, while the "Listen Now" page update extends to all 45 countries where Google Play Music is available, Google said.

Google Play Music is available at no charge during a 30-day trial. After the free trial, the streaming-music service costs $10 per month for ad-free listening.